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Council approves first readings for ADU transportation and park impact fee options (Arlington model selected)
Summary
After discussion, the council accepted first reading of ordinances to change transportation and park impact fees for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), choosing the Arlington-style deferral option and passing both measures on first reading 6-0; a system development charges item was pulled to return in July.
The Monroe City Council approved first readings on June 24 for ordinances that amend transportation impact fees and park impact fees for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), selecting an “Arlington model” fee-deferral option for both measures by 6-0 votes. Council also noted that a related system development charge (SDC) ordinance was pulled from the agenda and will return on July 8.
City staff presented two fee approaches for both transportation impact fees and park impact fees for ADUs. Option 1, described as the “Arlington model,” typically defers payment so that no transportation impact fee (TIF) is due at the time of development approval; if the principal property and ADU remain under single ownership, no TIF is due, and 50% could be due only if the property is later split into two parcels with separate owners. Option 2 would require 50% paid at development approval and no further fee at sale.
City staff explained the same choices for park impact fees, with Option 1 deferring fees until a property is split and Option 2 collecting 50% at approval. Council members discussed balancing ADU access and concerns about potential fee avoidance if properties are resold; several members praised the thorough discussion and sought to preserve affordable, generational living options while ensuring fees apply on property splits.
Council member Gamble moved and Council member Walker seconded the motion to accept first reading for transportation impact fee ordinance 010/2025 under Option 1 (Arlington model); the motion passed 6-0. Gamble then moved and Fulcher seconded for park impact fee ordinance 011/2025 under Option 1 (50% deferred/Arlington model); that motion also passed 6-0. Staff said the SDC ordinance (item 7.2) was pulled to allow legal cleanup and to return with the other two ordinances for second reading on July 8.
Why it matters: The fee options change the timing and amount of impact fees for ADU projects. Under the council’s selected approach, homeowners who build ADUs and keep the property under single ownership would avoid immediate TIF payments; fees may be triggered by later property splits.
